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The Naval General Service Medal 1915 - 62 Obverse h20 Rev

The Naval General Service Medal 1915-62

Overview

The Naval General Service Medal (NGSM) 1915 - 62 was instituted in 1915 to recognise service in minor naval operations for which no separate medal was intended

Description

The Naval General Service Medal 1915-1962 is silver in colour and circular in shape. Due to its long-time usage, the obverse carries the effigy of three successive Sovereigns, King George V, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. In addition, there are two different versions of the George VI and Elizabeth II effigies. The reverse bears the image of 'Britannia' in a chariot pulled by two sea horses.

The ribbon has a wide white central stripe, flanked by two red pin-stripes, bordered by two white stripes, which in turn are flanked by two red outer stripes.

The medal is always issued with a clasp denoting the area or purpose of operations. Subsequent service is recognised by further clasps. A total of seventeen clasps were issued with this medal:

  • Persian Gulf 1909-1914
  • Iraq 1919-1920
  • NW Persia 1919-1920
  • NW Persia 1920
  • Palestine 1936-1939
  • SE Asia 1945-46
  • Minesweeping 1945-51
  • Palestine 1945-48
  • Bomb and Mine Clearance 1945-53
  • Malaya
  • Yangtze 1949
  • Bomb and Mine Clearance (1945-53, 1945-46, Mediterranean)
  • Canal Zone
  • Cyprus
  • Near East
  • Arabian Peninsula
  • Brunei

Only one clasp has been awarded to New Zealand military personnel in large numbers: the clasp 'Malaya', which recognised service by Royal New Zealand Navy personnel in the Malayan Emergency of 1948 to 31 July 1960.

Eligibility

Individuals who served in specified naval operations between 1915 and 1962. Eligibility criteria varied for each operation.

For further information:

The Naval General Service and the General Service Medal for service in parts of Southeast Asia Command after 2 September 1945, Minesweeping Service after the termination of hostilities on 8 May and 2 September 1945, Mentions in Despatches, King's Commendations, issued February 1947 (PDF, 168 KB)

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this medal

    The Naval General Service Medal 1915-1962 is worn as a campaign medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  Campaign medals are worn in order of date of participation in the campaign, operation, or peacekeeping mission for which the medal was awarded.  For most New Zealand recipients, the Naval General Service Medal 1915-1962 is worn after the New Zealand Operational Service Medal.  However, if the medal was issued for service prior to 3 September 1945, the Naval General Service Medal 1915-1962 is worn before the New Zealand Operational Service Medal.  

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Applying for this medal

    NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.

    If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.

    Apply for unclaimed medals

  • Checking if this medal was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record